5 explosive UFC fights to look forward to in February 2023

The UFC put on two fight cards in the first month of 2023 – one Fight Night show at the promotion's Apex facility and the blockbuster pay-per-view in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

The UFC schedule is jam-packed over the next few months, with many mouth-watering matchups set to be contested. This list explores the best fights to look forward to in February, some of which have the potential to be Fight of the Year contenders.

On that note, here are the five most explosive fights to look forward to in February 2023.

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#5. Jack Della Maddalena vs. Randy Brown

The second pay-per-view of 2023 will be underway at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, where two championship bouts are set to be contested. Apart from the two title fights atop the bill, the most intriguing matchup on the card is undoubtedly the welterweight clash between Jack Della Maddalena and Randy Brown.

Jack Della Maddalena enjoyed a scorching run of form in 2022, racking up three knockout wins to cement his status as one of the best unranked welterweights around. The Australian's striking is levels above that of his peers, but his next bout will prove to be a real test.

Randy Brown is among the tallest 170-pounders on the roster, and more importantly, he knows how to use his frame to his advantage. 'Rude Boy' also enjoyed a winning run last year, going 2-0 to extend his overall win streak to four straight.

Both fighters are on the cusp of breaking into the welterweight top 15, making this a pivotal bout. Brown certainly has the tools to win on points, putting the onus on his Aussie counterpart to push the pace and chase a finish. With his compatriots roaring him on, it remains to be seen how Della Maddalena handles the pressure.

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#4. Taila Santos vs. Erin Blanchfield

The excitement around the UFC women's flyweight division has stagnated amidst the dominance of Valentina Shevchenko. However, things got interesting last year when the champion was pushed to the absolute limit by top-ranked contender Taila Santos.

Santos clearly outgrappled Shevchenko at UFC 275, exposing some holes in the champion's ground game. With the recent emergence of submission specialist Erin Blanchfield, Shevchenko certainly has some dangerous challengers down the line.

With a shot at gold seemingly up for grabs, Santos and Blanchfield have been booked against one another for the co-main event of UFC Vegas 69.

Taila Santos surprised many with her performance against Valentina Shevchenko last year. Ultimately, the Brazilian came away with a narrow split-decision loss, with some sections of the MMA community even claiming that she deserved the judges' nod and demanding a rematch.

Santos will likely need a win to get another shot at the throne, but the promotion hasn't done her any favors. Erin Blanchfield is a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division. Undefeated in the UFC, Blanchfield is coming off impressive submission wins over JJ Aldrich and Molly McCann in 2022.

With Shevchenko set to defend her title in March against Alexa Grasso, this is likely to be the unofficial No.1 contender's matchup. Irrespective of who emerges victorious, we have a competitive flyweight title fight to look forward to later this year.

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#3. Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski – UFC lightweight title fight

Speaking of high stakes, one of the biggest fights in UFC history is set to headline the upcoming pay-per-view in Australia as pound-for-pound king Alexander Volkanovski will look to overcome a behemoth task when he takes on lightweight champion Islam Makhachev on home soil in pursuit of champ-champ honors.

With Makhachev ranked No.2 pound-for-pound, this is a historic matchup unlike anything we've ever seen.

Alexander Volkanovski is riding a staggering 22-fight win streak in his professional career. The featherweight kingpin's stock reached astronomical heights after his flawless performance against Max Holloway last year and his move up to the lightweight division has seemed inevitable ever since.

The Australian hasn't tasted defeat in almost a decade, but at UFC 284, faces a daunting task ahead of him. Islam Makhachev is a sizable betting favorite heading into the bout and rightfully so. The Russian has a significant size advantage over Volkanovksi and the stylistic matchup bodes well for him as well.

Makhachev has the skillset to grind out a decision win, boasting a far superior grappling threat. It remains to be seen whether he can hold down Volkanovksi, whose compact frame and explosive style could pose problems for the lightweight champion.

This has the potential to be a one-sided wrestling masterclass, but if Volkanovski can stifle Makhachev's grappling offense, we have a real fight on our hands.

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#2. Yair Rodriguez vs. Josh Emmett – Interim UFC featherweight title fight

The co-headliner of UFC 284 will determine the next challenger for Alexander Volkanovski's featherweight throne as top-ranked contenders Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett will square off for the interim strap.

Yair Rodriguez is among the most entertaining fighters to watch across combat sports. The all-action Mexican's fan-friendly style has never failed to deliver an explosive fight and this next matchup will be no different.

Josh Emmett is arguably the hardest puncher in the featherweight division which, coupled with his wrestling prowess, makes for a lethal combination. The American has endured a long road to realizing a title shot and at 37, this is likely his last chance to stake his claim to the 145-pound belt.

Rodriguez vs. Emmett has Fight of the Night written all over it and has the potential to steal the show at the RAC Arena in Perth. For the victor, a shot at Alexander Volkanvoski and undisputed featherweight gold beckons.

Yair Rodriguez is gunning for undisputed gold [Image via @panteraufc on Instagram]

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#1. Marlon Vera vs. Cory Sandhagen

Every so often in MMA, a matchup comes along that as soon as it's announced, fans are certain they're in for a memorable clash of epic proportions. As soon as the Marlon Vera vs. Cory Sandhagen bout was confirmed to headline UFC Vegas 69, the hardcore fanbase was collectively licking their lips.

The bantamweight division is arguably the most explosive in the UFC, and this pairing is certainly an early Fight of the Year contender. Two devastating strikers with undeniable fight-ending abilities and unlimited cardio, Marlon Vera and Cory Sandhagen are among the most watchable fighters in the promotion.

Sandhagen's cerebral high-output style is a nightmare to deal with. He boasts incredible movement and a diverse striking arsenal, making him an unpredictable and dangerous foe on the feet. On the flipside, Vera's low-volume, high-pressure style luls his opponents into complacency, leaving them open to his calamitous accuracy.

Both fighters are ranked in the top tier of the bantamweight division and are on the cusp of fighting for the belt. Given the stylistic matchup and spoils on offer for the victor, you do not want to miss this one.